windbreaker

IPA/ˈwɪndbreɪkə(r)/
IPA/ˈwɪndbreɪkər/

windbreaker — noun

  • windbreakersingular
  • windbreakersplural

1. a lightweight jacket made of fabric that stops the wind from passing through, of

1.nounB1
Definition

a lightweight jacket made of fabric that stops the wind from passing through, often worn for outdoor activities such as walking, running, or hiking

Example

Tendai put on his windbreaker before going for his morning run in the park.

collocation: put on + windbreaker

Liam packed a windbreaker in his backpack in case the weather turned windy.

collocation: pack + windbreaker for travel

Common collocations
  • wear a windbreaker
  • put on a windbreaker
  • zip up a windbreaker
  • light windbreaker
  • nylon windbreaker
  • red windbreaker
Synonyms
  • windcheater

    British term for the same type of jacket; less common in American English

  • anorak

    usually a hooded waterproof jacket for cold or rainy weather; warmer and more protective than a simple windbreaker

  • jacket

    a much broader term that includes windbreakers, blazers, and other outerwear

Grammar Patterns

countable noun

Usage Note

Countable noun. In British English, the word 'windcheater' is sometimes used instead, though 'windbreaker' is common in both varieties for casual outdoor jackets.

Word family

  • windcheater
    nounB1

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

A windbreaker is specifically a lightweight jacket made of wind-resistant fabric, ideal for mild windy weather. 'Windcheater' is the preferred British term for the same garment. An 'anorak' is heavier, often waterproof and hooded, meant for cold or wet conditions — think of a winter hiking shell rather than a spring running jacket. 'Jacket' is the broadest category, covering everything from denim to down to fleece. A 'parka' is a long, insulated winter coat with a fur-lined hood, far warmer than a windbreaker. In practice: you wear a windbreaker for a jog on a breezy day, a parka for a blizzard.

windcheateranorakjacket ↗parka

Common collocations

Nouns

  • nylon windbreaker
  • lightweight windbreaker

Phrases

  • wear a windbreaker
  • put on a windbreaker
  • zip up a windbreaker
  • pack a windbreaker

Prepositions

  • in a windbreaker
  • with a windbreaker

Etymology

EnglishEnglish

A compound of 'wind' (moving air) and 'breaker' (something that breaks or stops something), modelled on earlier terms like 'windshield'. The word entered American English in the mid-20th century as a trademarked name for a wind-resistant jacket brand and later became a generic term for any such jacket.

First known use

1900

1900, in the meaning defined above